ROCK CLIMBING
Calendar of global rock climbing festivals
The events featuring in the calendar and map view below have been selected by the UIAA Rock Climbing Working Group to appear on the UIAA’s annual calendar of rock climbing festivals worldwide. The main criteria being that the festivals are open to international climbers. To submit your festival for consideration please email UIAA News. Profiled festivals also receive exposure on the UIAA’s social media channels.
The criteria for festivals being featured in the calendar is as follows:
Fully Recognised Festival
- Is open to international participants
- Proven delivery, highest international standards
- UIAA ethos
- Caters for youth climbers
- Organisers Rock Climbing workshops/clinics and promotes safe practice in all styles of climbing appropriate to the region or venue
- Evidence of sustainable climbing initiatives
Development Festival
- Early-stage events (1–4 years old)
- Focused on local participation and community development.
- Aligned with UIAA Ethos.
- Limited international reach but open, for example, to expats or climbers from neighbouring countries.
Festivals must meet the following criteria:
- Inspiring – clear vision and engaging programme serving the climbing community, great atmosphere
- Inclusive – open to diverse participants. Additionally, events specifically targeting giving a safe space for minority groups welcomed.
- Well organised – clear logistics and communication
- Safety aware – appropriate risk management. Safety aware extends to participants arriving from abroad with appropriate guidance. Participant self-acknowledgement of risk.
- Environmentally responsible – respect for nature, erosion
- Community focused – strong local relationships, tourism, local projects
- UIAA ethos aligned
Further specifics will be provided in a detailed document in due course.
Additional expectations for full festivals
- Established reputation and track record
- Professional organisation and systems
- Advanced programme
- Strong safety framework
- Sustainability strategy
- Partnerships and endorsement
- Measurable impact
Festival pathway
Development or emerging festivals can progress to full UIAA festival status through growth in quality, reach, and organisation.
CALENDAR OF ALL
UIAA EVENTS
UIAA Rock Climbing Festival Award
From 2015-2019, and as part of its rock climbing activities, the UIAA organised a Rock Climbing Festival Award. Details on former winners can be found below.
Would you like to discuss rock climbing festivals with the UIAA?
Contact the UIAA with details about your initiative:
